#27

When J and I met, I was in the process of joining the Army. I really wanted to join. I love my country, and I was already immersed in the army life (living on post with my sis). I was discovering I loved the Army. So I went to a recruiter and he was awesome, and we started the process. I was going to be a Linguist after basic. Then, I got married and didn't go to basic.

Sometimes, I think about what might have been. Where would I be? Who would I be? How different would Pvt or Spc or Sgt S's life have been from Mrs. B's?? I have always thought the two roads would have been so completely different...

Lately, though, I have been thinking about this life in a whole different light. The Army is directing my moves, as they would have with that other life. And I am still in love with my country, that will never change. And, I am a linguist.

Since marrying my soldier, I have learned to speak 'Army', 'wife', 'baby', a wee bit of German, and lately I have become fluent in 'toddler'.

Sure, the Army might have taught me Arabic and then sent me to another continent. But instead, they let me learn Wife and Love, then sent me to another continent.

My choice may not have been the right one. It may not have been the easy one. But then again, it might have been those two things and so many more...

I found a man to love and one that loves me, all before my 18th birthday. I swallowed my fears and accepted his proposal. And a few years later I became the mommy I never thought I would be. So I kind of think this has been the 'right' choice.

Because Arabic will never be as cool as 'toddler'. How many people know that 'Mommy, want onge ba, peez. Dint u.' means my little girl knows her colors and her manners?

I am a lucky girl.